In a brief two-page ruling, Speakman denied Rice’s attorneys requests to delay the date of the original hearing from Oct. 4 to Oct. 11.

Speakman also denied the defendant’s request for an expedited list of discovery items including witness lists along with details about the alleged victim, including cell phone records, bank accounts, social media, vacations and usage of alcohol and drugs, including prescription medication.

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The expedited motion to dismiss will be heard as part of the rest of the trial on Oct. 4.

Speakman also kept the temporary order of protection he issued last week in “full force and effect” until the scheduled hearing next month.

Rice faces allegations of first-degree rape in the filing for the protective order. The incident allegedly happened in the late hours of April 12 in the South Donahue Residence Hall, a 209-room dorm located across the street from the athletic complex.

It is also the basis for an incident report filed with the City of Auburn Police Department on July 27.

Rice has not been arrested or charged.

Auburn’s police department currently categorizes the case as “inactive,” but according to Captain Lorenza Dorsey the designation doesn’t mean the investigation is closed.

“She is a courageous example for women everywhere and refuses to be silenced,” attorney Jeff Herman’s statement reads.

Herman also released alleged text message conversations between his client and Rice in which he allegedly apologizes for his actions in the texts and asks the plaintiff to not tell anyone about the incident.

War Eagle Extra

Jordan D. Hill has covered high schools and athletes in the Bi-City area for the Ledger-Enquirer since January 2017. Prior to coming to Columbus, Hill was a freelancer for The Macon Telegraph and an intern for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. A native of Jasper, Georgia, Hill is a graduate of Pickens High School and the University of Georgia.